Police presence for Donald Trump's visit 'could cost £5m'

The police presence for Donald Trump’s UK visit will cost the taxpayer to £5 million, it has been reported.

Trump arrives in the UK on July 12, and between 5,000 and 10,000 officers will be drafted in during his three-day stay.

That number includes specialist protection and counterterrorism officers, search dogs, mounted policemen and riot vans, as well as control room staff and community support officers.

Rest days for officers have been cancelled, and those not on duty during Trump’s visit could have to work longer shifts than usual to maintain normal service.

Simon Kempton of the Police Federation told the Daily Express: “One of the most depressing aspects of being a police officer is apologising to victims when we have let them down.

“In the past, if you had a burglary, it was treated as a high priority and you could expect to see a police officer within an hour.

“Now you may not see a police officer for days if at all. Police forces simply don’t have the resources to provide the service the public demand and expect.”

Scotland Yard told the Times it was “still looking at resource allocation”, and would not speculate on the cost.

A police spokesman called it a “complex operation”, adding that demonstrations were expected.

Over 150,000 people have clicked ‘interested’ on a Facebook page called ‘Protest Trump’s Visit’, with 53,000 down as ‘attending’.

The US ambassador to the UK told talkRADIO that Trump wasn’t worried about the prospect of demonstrations, saying: “I don’t think [the protests will have an effect] and I don’t think protests were ever a factor in him coming or not.

“He’s comfortable in where he wants to take [the US].

“I don’t think there’ll be a lot of people chanting. He’s used to people disagreeing with him, and presenting his point of view in front of large audiences.”